I've always loved squirrel monkeys. There's something about them that feels full of energy and curiosity. And this grey-crowned Central American squirrel monkey is no exception.
These tiny primates are only found in a small part of Costa Rica and Panama, and over the years their population has declined due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Primate experts believe there are only 2.000 individuals left in the wild.
When I learned about this, it completely changed the way I looked at them. They may seem playful and abundant, but their future is far from guaranteed.
When I created this piece, I kept thinking about how much wildlife depends on something as simple as having enough connected forest to move through and find food. It's easy to forget how vulnerable a species can become when its world gets smaller and smaller.
That's why the work of the Titi Conservation Alliance is so important. Their Habitat Restoration Program focuses on reforestation to connect fragmented habitats within the Naranjo River Biological Corridor.
To support their work, 10% of every sale will be donated to the Titi Conservation Alliance. If the limited edition sells out, a total of €1170 will be donated to help give this species the future it deserves.